Could Your 1976 Bicentennial Quarter Be Worth Over $5 Million? Here’s What You Need to Know
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is more than just a piece of history—it might be a hidden treasure. While most of these quarters are only worth face value, a few rare types have fetched more than $5 million at auctions due to their unique features and minting anomalies.
In this guide, you’ll discover what sets these high-value quarters apart, how to identify one, and the best ways to sell if you strike gold.
7 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Over $5 Million
Released to commemorate America’s 200th birthday, the Bicentennial Quarter became an instant classic. However, only a handful of these coins are now considered extremely rare and valuable.
Here’s what collectors and investors look for:
Topic | Details |
---|---|
Why are some worth millions? | Unique mint errors, silver content, and pristine condition boost value. |
Key identifiers | Rare errors, unusual mint marks, silver composition. |
Where were they made? | Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S – proof/silver). |
How to assess value | Check for errors, weigh the coin, and have it professionally graded. |
Where to sell | Reputable auction houses, online marketplaces, or certified coin dealers. |
Helpful Resources | U.S. Mint website for background and reference. |
What Makes These Quarters So Valuable?
Most Bicentennial Quarters are still just common currency, but some possess characteristics that skyrocket their value.
1. Mint Errors
Rare errors can turn a basic coin into a collector’s dream. The most sought-after include:
- Double Die Obverse: Doubling effect on text or images.
- Off-Center Strikes: Misalignment during minting.
- Wrong Planchet Strikes: Quarters struck on different coin blanks, such as nickels or half dollars.
2. Silver Content
While standard quarters are made of copper-nickel, the U.S. Mint also released a 40% silver version as part of a special collector’s set. These silver quarters, especially with errors or proof quality, are worth considerably more.
3. Exceptional Condition (MS-67 or Higher)
Coins graded at MS-67 or above (by services like PCGS or NGC) can bring in tens of thousands—or even millions—depending on other traits like errors or rarity.
How to Identify a $5 Million Bicentennial Quarter
Think you might have a valuable coin? Follow these steps:
Step 1: Check the Mint Mark
- No mint mark: Philadelphia (common)
- D mark: Denver (also common)
- S mark: San Francisco (often silver or proof)
Step 2: Look for Errors
Use a magnifier to spot anomalies such as doubling, off-center designs, or missing details. These can drastically increase the coin’s worth.
Step 3: Determine the Metal
- Weight test: A regular quarter weighs about 5.67 grams. Silver versions weigh roughly 5.75 grams.
- Edge check: Silver quarters usually have a solid silver edge, without the copper stripe visible in clad coins.
Step 4: Get It Professionally Graded
Send your coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A high-grade rating (especially MS-67 or higher) can raise its value significantly.
Step 5: Research Market Value
Look at recent sales on platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions to get a sense of what similar coins are going for.
Where to Sell Your Rare Bicentennial Quarter
If you’re sitting on a rare coin, here are your top selling options:
- Certified Coin Dealers: Get a proper appraisal and competitive offers.
- Major Auction Houses: Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and others can yield high returns.
- Online Platforms: eBay or Etsy can connect you with collectors (but be cautious of scams).
- Local Coin Shops: A fast and easy way to sell, although offers might be lower.
FAQs About Rare Bicentennial Quarters
Q1: Are all Bicentennial Quarters worth a lot?
No. Most are still worth 25 cents, but rare variations can be extremely valuable.
Q2: How can I tell if mine is silver?
Check the coin’s edge—if there’s no copper color and the weight is slightly higher, it may be silver.
Q3: What’s the highest price paid for one?
Over $5 million was once paid for an extremely rare proof error version of the Bicentennial Quarter.
Q4: Could I find one in everyday change?
It’s rare, but possible. Most of the valuable ones are already part of private collections.
Q5: Should I clean my quarter before selling?
Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin can ruin its value. Always leave it in its original condition.
Final Thoughts
While most 1976 Bicentennial Quarters won’t make you rich, a few rare examples can be worth a fortune. Keep an eye out for mint marks, silver content, and errors—these are the clues that separate common coins from million-dollar collectibles.
If you think you have something special, get it graded and explore your selling options. Who knows? You might just be holding a piece of American history worth millions.
Great info for a new person.
Very interested in learning more.
I’ve got few can anyone help me find out if valuable
I can, just send them to me here at my lab I’m in Florida so if your out of state please send a check for $1000.00 for each coin you would like checked. Also shipping and handling will be your responsibility. 239 420 4409 for discreet instructions
Don’t send your coins or anything to this person or anyone. This is a scam. Get them graded and do research for those that sold on ebay and list yours in that price range or by auction.
Thanks you for your
Yes I have that coins with me
I have three of these coins and three half dollar coins as well
How much is a full blown silver bicentennial quarter it have a weird look to it very different from others. It looks like a ghost silver bicentennial quarter. I assumed it’s worth a great fortune. I have a bicentennial with a double die very notice but not much. I also have a bicentennial quarter with a weird off center strike or rim not perfect. Hertiage or bowers aictions only accept coins 1964 or older but Hertiage only accept coins older than 1850. Then where I sell my coin at an auction house? I won’t sell any coins on ebay as there are too many cheapo people there or stroker on ebay. I also have a rare 1944 steel penny two . I have few new looking 1943 steel pennies. I think I have a bronze 1943 or copper 1943 penny. What auction house accept rare bicentennial quarters??
Information on the Bicentennial Quarter is very helpful. I have a few but wasn’t sure how to proceed. Ty
I have rare coins I don’t know what to do with them/// call me or text me 267 892 0468
You can sell your rare coin on https://www.greatcollections.com/ — it’s a trusted online auction platform for coins and collectibles!
My name is Lamar I have 7 of the Quarters how much you think they are worth
I have this coin from Tanzania 🇹🇿 my name is wolter mtui how I can sale it here
You can sell your rare coin on https://www.greatcollections.com/ — it’s a trusted online auction platform for coins and collectibles!
I have 2 of this coins
Where do I go to find if I have one of these quarters?
How much value of quarter dollar 1776 1971
Hello,i have a number of the coins kindly provide me with more details of how I can sale them, in particular the contacts information of the buyer.
You can sell your rare coin on https://www.greatcollections.com/ — it’s a trusted online auction platform for coins and collectibles!
I have some old coins how can I sell them.
You can sell your rare coin on https://www.greatcollections.com/ — it’s a trusted online auction platform for coins and collectibles!
I have several. Drummer on back 1776-1976. What are they worth? I also have women and papoose, can remember her name, starts with an S. What are they worth?
I have all five of them I’m going to leave this comment and see how real you guys are but I have all five of them all five points the benefits of ones you’re looking for
I have 4 Bicentennial quarters that the “D” mint marks look like blobs. 1 of those are also a double die. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I have seven of these quarters. I would love to sell them. Plus many other old coins.
How can I get a book or information
I have several of those coins
I have one of these quarters
Hi everyone I have over 200 coins from all over the world n I don’t know where to sell it or have them appraised
I have one of them where the drummer ant holding any drumsticks in his hand & weighs 5.75 grams & is double die with no mint mark
I have 4 $2 1976 uncirculated bills with sequential serial numbers. Are they valuable?
Have a 1964 nickel more care it the shiny it get, have a quarter 1964 doesn’t look like other, doesn’t have brown in it like others,
I have a bicentennial 1976 quarter but I don’t know if it’s the one that is valuable is silver it’s identical to one of the quarters that I see in the photo who can I contact to confirm
OK I have to many old coins old I whana know how to fine the people like to buy thanks very much for you honesty have nice day
OK I am from San Jose ca and I have my number for you can call me please 408 661 9657 thanks very much
I have the 1925 cent penny.
I have a lot of old coins and I need to know if they are valuable please
I have 100 1982 D pennies that way 3.1 g what should I do with them should I sell them